The story of Jacob’s life is one of a man with a seemingly hopeless beginning, but with a faithful and victorious end. By faith, Jacob became the kind of man God intended for him to be. As Christians, we all hope to end strong. What we must realize that how we live today will determine how we will end. Jacob showed signs that indicated he would finish well. In the context of Hebrews 11:21 and Genesis 47:8-10, we see the essence of Jacob’s theology, faith, and sanctification.
Jacob was a man of integrity. “…few and unpleasant have been the years of my life…”
Jacob’s life was full of hardships and strife. When Pharaoh asked Jacob about his life, Jacob responded with the truth. He was a man of integrity to the Word of God, which is the first sign of holiness. As Christians, many may be tempted to say all is well and easy, but it is simply not true. As believers who understand the true nature of the flesh and the world, we live in constant warfare against sin. Jacob’s life was not pleasant, and he said it so.
Jacob was a man of humility. “…nor have they attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning.”
Jacob acknowledged that his life was nothing compared to the lives of his ancestors. Jacob was a humble man, as all believers must be. Humility is the most important mark when it comes to sanctification because without humility, there is no self-denial and there is no following Christ. Just as holiness is the essential nature of God, humility is the essential nature of a believer. What is humility? Being humbles is to think of oneself as nothing. Jesus showed the perfect example of humility by coming to us as a man and humbling himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. (Phil 2:8) Biblical love requires total sacrifice, but without humility, you will not lay your life down for others. Jacob was faithful because he was confident in the Lord and not himself.
Jacob considered himself a pilgrim; he did not consider the world his home. Without this same understanding, we can not grow in sanctification. The issue with American Christianity is that it does not require you to forsake the world, but enables you to pursue the American Dream. The true gospel tells us to forsake the world. Conversion is not true without it. We live in the world, but we are not of the world. (Col 3:1-2) We must be constantly striving to set our minds on the things above. Living by this spiritual reality is so important because eventually, all of us will die. Do not be deceived by the world that is passing away. (James 4:14)
In this setting, Jacob was reliant oh Pharaoh’s aid during the time of famine. Jacob was a nobody, standing before the king of Egypt, but he blessed Pharaoh. Jacob was able to do this because he knew God, who is above all. Anyone who knows God is bold and confident. Do you know God as Father? Increasing in a true knowledge of God is a sign of sanctification. A biblical view of God is the source of our confidence especially during times of suffering because we know that God is in control.Sanctification is the process of growing in trust in the Lord. No sanctification indicates no true faith. In justification we knew Jesus as Savior; in sanctification, we know Jesus as Lord. Jacob’s life was full of sanctification. As it says in Heb 11:21, Jacob worshipped God. He knew that he was saved to worship the true God. As a pilgrim he may have moved from place to place, but wherever he was, he worshipped God. This must be our lifestyle as well. Worship requires true faith because by faith, we worship with total surrender, fear, and devotion to God. With a biblical understanding of His holy nature, we gather together as the body of Christ devoted to hear the Word, fellowship, break bread, and pray. (Acts 2:42)
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
Leave a comment